YouSaid · the spoken record

Blum

lines on the record: 212
first: 2006-10-26
most recent: 2010-10-26
sittings or episodes: 26
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Equally useful are the exchanges held by the Permanent Representative of the country in the presidency with media representatives and the webcasts of those exchanges. Nevertheless, these practices must continue to be expanded in order further improve transparency and the participation of the membership in the Council's activities and decision-making. Efforts should be made to reduce the number of closed meetings that limit access by Member States and to guarantee the participation of States non-members of the Council in the discussion of matters that affect them directly. Moreover, it would be important to create greater opportunities for consultation with regional groups and organizations as well as with other actors, as necessary, to gain a greater understanding of the specific characteristics of each situation.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Ms. Blum (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation welcomes the convening of this debate on a matter of special importance to our Organization, in particular in the context of the ongoing process of Security Council reform. The note by the President of the Security Council contained in document S/2006/507 contains guidelines that deserve careful consideration with a view to enhancing the Council's transparency and effectiveness. Colombia welcomes the efforts made by the members of this organ to implement the practices outlined in that document. We highlight the interaction by countries holding the Council presidency with Member States and the briefings given at the beginning of each month.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Colombia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to continue working at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels, through effective cooperation activities that address the transnational, dynamic and multidimensional nature of this crime.”
2009-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6233 (2009) · source
“With regard to the problem of the trafficking of drugs to Europe through the West Coast of Africa, operational coordination, while indispensable, is only a first step. Efforts must be focused on developing coordinated strategies to address the various components of the problem. The capacity of United Nations is invaluable in the coordination of these efforts. The experience of Colombia confirms that only through a balanced approach to decreasing both the supply of and the demand for drugs will it be possible to move forward efficiently and progressively in the fight against the world drug problem. It is indispensable to tackle all the links. All the countries involved, be they producer, transit or consumer countries, must tackle the various aspects of the problem in unison and with the same resolve.”
2009-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6233 (2009) · source
“On February of this year, Colombia hosted the first meeting with African countries organized with the support of the United Nations, the European Commission, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission of the Organization of American States, the American Police Community, the Latin American and Caribbean Community on Police Intelligence and the Colombian National Police. Nineteen countries participated in this meeting, including seven from the African continent. During that meeting, training in specialized techniques to combat drug trafficking was provided, and channels of communication were opened to facilitate the exchange of information.”
2009-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6233 (2009) · source
“Furthermore, the Political Declaration and Action Plan adopted at the Ministerial Conference of the Economic Community of West African States, held in October 2008, offer a significant contribution. The two meetings I have mentioned offered opportunities that promoted interregional dialogue, which is a valuable instrument in the fight against the global drug problem. We appreciate the role that the United Nations can play in increasing and facilitating such dialogue. Colombia has joined the efforts of the international community aimed at tackling the problem of drug trafficking to Europe via the West coast of Africa. We are participating actively in an initiative for cooperation and information exchange between State security organs against the trafficking of cocaine from Latin America to West Africa.”
2009-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6233 (2009) · source
“In its comprehensive and determined fight against the global drug problem, Colombia has gained experience and capabilities which it has actively shared through various cooperation projects. We have addressed requests for training and technical assistance from countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, Central America, West Africa and Asia. The conclusions of the Regional Summit on the World Drug Problem, Security and Cooperation, held in Cartagena in 2008, give us a solid base for tackling the problem we are discussing in today's debate. At that Summit, a number of countries from Latin America and the Caribbean reaffirmed, among other things, their commitment to strengthening mechanisms for technical and institutional coordination and experience-sharing, with a view to reducing illicit cultivation and the production of illicit drugs.”
2009-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6233 (2009) · source
“Since 2002 to date, the manual eradication and spraying of illegal crops have increased by 72 per cent. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the coca cultivation area in Colombia, which had reached 160,000 hectares early in the decade, was reduced in 2008 to 81,000 hectares, representing a 50 per cent decrease. Moreover, UNODC estimates in its report that the total volume of the potential production of cocaine in Colombia decreased by 28 per cent from 2007 to 2008, an even greater decrease than that observed in the cultivation area. As a consequence of the achievements in Colombia, among other factors, the adaptability of transnational organized crime has led to the geographic dispersal and extension to a greater number of countries of the cultivation, production, trafficking and consumption of narcotic drugs.”
2009-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6233 (2009) · source
“In the Political Declaration and the Action Plan adopted in March this year, the high- level segment of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs reaffirmed the fundamental principle that each link of the world drug problem must be addressed within the framework of common and shared responsibility and through international cooperation. The achievements of the Colombian Government in the fight against the global drug problem over more than three decades are widely recognized. The Colombian State, through a strategy based on taking action against illegal groups, reducing demand, weakening the economic structure of drug trafficking and reducing supply with an emphasis on the eradication of illicit crops, has achieved sound results. The UNODC World Drug Report 2009 recognizes the results achieved in decreasing illegal crops in Colombia.”
2009-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6233 (2009) · source
“Ms. Blum (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me first to congratulate you, Sir, and your country on presiding over the Security Council during the month of December. We commend your initiative to convene this debate on the challenge represented by the world drug problem, under the agenda item "Peace and security in Africa". Likewise, we welcome the presentation made by Mr. Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The conclusions reached at the fifty-second session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in March are particularly relevant in view of the challenge that the world drug problem continues to pose 11 years after the convening of the twentieth special session of the General Assembly.”
2009-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6233 (2009) · source
“Ms. Blum (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation does not seek to make an additional statement or to alter the scope of this meeting. We have taken note of the reference made to the information presented by Colombia to the members of the Security Council, and of the adjectives applied to it. The information presented today by the Government of Colombia is based neither on adjectives or baseless qualifications, nor on mere rhetoric; it is based on specific and verifiable facts. In my statement, I made reference to some of these. I thank the President and other members of the Council for the attention that they have given to that information.”
2009-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6217Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Likewise, we will continue to support other countries' efforts to confront crime and drug trafficking. We will continue to contribute our experience and good practices in this field. My Government wishes to thank those countries that, through effective cooperation, have contributed to the strengthening of our capacities in this fight, and we invite those that still have not done so to show their solidarity with a people that repudiates terrorism and desires to live in a country with development and well- being.”
2009-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6217Resumption1 (2009) · source
“They also do not understand and are dismayed by the threat of war uttered last Sunday by the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, about which the Colombian Government informed the members of the Council in a timely manner. My delegation shares the Council's concern with regard to the connection between terrorism, international crime, illicit drugs and illicit arms trafficking. Colombia trusts that the Council will continue to promote measures to ensure that, in accordance with resolution 1373 (2001), all States refrain from providing any form of support, active or passive, to groups involved in acts of terrorism. In this regard, my Government will continue to cooperate actively with the United Nations in the fight against terrorism.”
2009-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6217Resumption1 (2009) · source
“It will be implemented in strict compliance with the principles of sovereign equality, the territorial integrity of States and non-interference in the internal affairs of other States. Disinformation or distortion will not alter the legal soundness and political transparency of the actions of the Government of Colombia. The people of Colombia do not understand why the Venezuelan Government insists on questioning the national and cooperation strategies implemented to confront drug trafficking and terrorism in my country. The people of Colombia are committed to their democratic institutions in the fight against those phenomena.”
2009-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6217Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Nonetheless, the Venezuelan Government decided not to continue its cooperation within the framework of these mechanisms, which in the past had proven to be effective in achieving greater control of illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities. Moreover, the Venezuelan Government has generated disinformation regarding international cooperation agreements in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking. It has referred to the agreement signed between Colombia and the United States of America. This agreement resulted from a long history of cooperation between the two countries and is limited to the sole purpose of combating illicit drug trafficking and terrorism in Colombia.”
2009-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6217Resumption1 (2009) · source
“This lack of willingness is reflected in several ways and I will refer to some examples that the Government of Colombia has already brought to the attention of Council members. Arms have been diverted from Venezuela to recognized terrorist groups that operate in Colombia. Recently, anti-tank weapons and their ammunition were found by Colombian authorities in a camp belonging to the illegal armed group FARC. There is a record of the legal sale of this weaponry to the Venezuelan Government. The Foreign Minister of Colombia sent a dossier on this matter to the Venezuelan Government, but to date no satisfactory explanation befitting the seriousness of the matter has been received. Since the 19805, Colombia and Venezuela have engaged in reciprocal cooperation mechanisms in matters of border security and the fight against drug trafficking.”
2009-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6217Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The 2008 World Drug Report published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime informs us of significant declines both in the illicit crops and the production of drugs, as well as a sharp increase in seizures of those substances. Those who question the effectiveness of Plan Colombia show a deep lack of knowledge of today's reality that we the Colombians experience. In Colombia we have also experienced the adverse effect of a lack of cooperation and the interference by another country in our internal affairs. In this regard, I must refer to the particular concern of the Colombian Government at the lack of willingness by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to cooperate in the fight against criminal groups that have inflicted great pain on my country.”
2009-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6217Resumption1 (2009) · source
“It is clear that no country can confront terrorism on its own. International solidarity includes the repudiation of terrorist groups. In resolution 1465 (2003) the Council condemned the terrorist act that occurred in Bogota in February 2003 and urged all States to cooperate with Colombia, in accordance with resolution 1373 (2001), to find and bring to justice the perpetrators. That act was one of many carried out by FARC. Plan Colombia, which was funded with significant national resources and supportive international cooperation, particularly from the United States, has made verifiable achievements in the fight against the global drug problem.”
2009-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6217Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Our firm and recognized democratic practices give us the authority to reiterate that today the only raison d'etre for these groups is the criminal business of drug trafficking. These groups are not only repudiated by the Colombian people, but are also designated as terrorists on the lists of many countries, including several States members of the Security Council. In order to overcome terrorist violence, in order to permit increased investment, growth, social development and well-being, Colombians since 2002 have carried out the Democratic Security Policy. That has reduced crime and brought about progress in guaranteeing rights and in strengthening our democratic institutions. In making progress towards those goals solidarity and international cooperation has also been essential.”
2009-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6217Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Ms. Blum (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): Colombia appreciates the briefings on the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council that were presented in today's meeting. My Government particularly appreciates the work of these Committees. Colombia emphasizes the importance of ensuring international cooperation and the commitment of each and every Member State to honour its international obligations in the fight against terrorism and associated criminal activities. My country makes this appeal based on its own experience. We, Colombians, have suffered from terrorist acts committed by illegal armed groups, some of them already demobilized and others still in existence, such as the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) and the Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional.”
2009-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6217Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The illicit traffic in small arms and light weapons threatens civilian security, increases crime and causes the death or permanent disability of thousands of people. Without decisive action against this illicit trade, initiatives to protect civilians may be incomplete and ineffective. The Government of Colombia reaffirms its condemnation of any action aimed against civilians. Their protection and strict compliance with international humanitarian law and other relevant international norms are matters of absolute priority that will continue to guide my country's policies.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The goals achieved and the remaining challenges to the implementation of the Ottawa Convention should encourage the international community to continue pursuing the higher goal of achieving a world free of anti-personnel mines. The fight against this scourge is a direct contribution to actions in favour of the civilian population and should hence be supported with a high level of commitment and political will. The implementation of effective controls to the illicit traffic in small arms and light weapons is also indispensable. My country will continue to promote this issue in the General Assembly, and expects the Security Council to promote the adoption of effective controls in this area.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Every year, hundreds of civilian victims throughout the world - men, women and children - see their rights and violated and their lives disrupted by the use of anti-personnel mines. Colombia will have the honour to host the Second Review Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, which will take place in the city of Cartagena from 29 November to 4 December. The action plan to be adopted in Cartagena will be an opportunity to make the strengthening and development of the Convention a shared aim of Governments, international organizations and civil society.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“If humanitarian assistance is to be reliable and predictable, it must be delivered in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. As pointed out in the concept paper circulated to the Council, the compliance of armed non-State actors with their obligations towards civilians is of particular relevance. In this regard, an approach that encompasses the particular issues and specific circumstances of each situation is indispensable. Any initiative in this field must take into account the central role of Governments and applicable national legislation. In a context of cooperation, action should seek first to require armed non-State actors to cease their violent actions against civilians.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The State seeks above all to defend life and has the fundamental objective of ensuring better conditions for the entire civilian population. Colombia is guided by the basic premise that the primary responsibility for the protection of civilians falls to the State. And each State may turn to the appropriate international cooperation mechanisms, depending to its priorities. In this context, the role of the United Nations and the international community is to support national protection efforts. That primary responsibility and the role of the States are particularly relevant with respect to humanitarian assistance in their territories. My country recognizes in that regard the importance of cooperation and the facilitation of access to humanitarian organizations, in accordance with applicable international law.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Through this effort, the criminality and violence indicators have fallen to levels not experienced in many years. In 2002, the country had no police protection in vast areas of its territory. The presence of the national police and the military forces has resulted in a dramatic drop in the violence indicators. Since that year, homicides have fallen by 44 per cent, extortive kidnappings by 88 per cent, the number of massacre victims by 96 per cent, and terrorist attacks by 79 per cent. Today, the homicide figures are the lowest they have been in 22 years. Extortive kidnappings have reached their lowest level in the last decades. The demobilization of more than 52,000 armed men also reflects the effectiveness of the policy. More people are demobilized every day than are captured, and more are captured than killed.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The adoption of four resolutions and several presidential statements, as well as the aide- memoire agreed upon as a guide for the protection of civilians, are noteworthy advances. This meeting of the Council therefore represents a useful opportunity to evaluate such progress and explore other alternatives that contribute to the protection of the civilian population in situations of conflict or violence. Through its democratic security policy, the Government of Colombia has consolidated its activities to strengthen and guarantee the rule of law throughout the national territory. The implementation of this policy has allowed us to establish more stable conditions for the protection of Colombians and their enjoyment of their rights.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Ms. Blum (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me at the outset to congratulate you, Sir, and the Austrian delegation for your work in the Council presidency for the month of November. The presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the initiative to convene this debate highlight the importance of the subject matter of this meeting. I also thank the Secretary-General, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights for their valuable presentations. Ten years after the Security Council began to address the issue of the protection of civilians in conflict, the contributions of this organ have been significant.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Lastly, I would like to highlight the importance of the efforts to preserve the progress made in developing the capacities of the Haitian National Police. The principal security challenges that Haiti faces are of a civilian nature and need a police approach. In particular, it is very important, with regard to initiatives such as the one described by the Secretary- General in paragraph 37 of his report, that alternatives be explored to avoid reducing material and human resources in the ongoing reform of the Haitian National Police.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“In addition, police support equipment will be delivered, and training programmes on human rights and the handling of equipment provided by Colombia will take place. Colombia acknowledges the importance attached, in considering the renewal of MINUSTAH's mandate, to efforts to strengthen the fight against illicit drug trafficking, in particular with regard to resources for land and maritime interdiction. That is essential in the context of a comprehensive strategy aimed at institution-building. My country will continue to provide support to MINUSTAH in the field of security and reaffirms its readiness to offer its experience and the expertise of its officials in training the specialized anti-narcotics teams of the Haitian National Police.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“Also in the area of security, the Ministry of National Defence of Colombia and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security of Haiti have signed a memorandum of understanding in order to strengthen bilateral cooperation in tackling the challenges of transnational organized crime, the illicit trade in drugs and psychotropic substances, kidnapping and extortion, through training activities, equipment donation and institutional capacity-building. Under that agreement, a high-level Colombian National Police mission was deployed in Haiti from June 2009 for a period of 60 days to advise Haitian police personnel on strategic planning and institution- building, as well as on the capabilities needed to address the security challenges.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“Consequently, we will continue to expand our contribution to MINUSTAH and to work jointly with the other countries of the region that support the mission's work. In the spirit of finding comprehensive and effective solutions, my country is participating in two cases of coordination with Latin American countries: the Coordination Group for Latin American Cooperation with the Haitian National Police and the 2x9 mechanism, comprising the Deputy Ministers for Defence and for Foreign Affairs of countries in the region. We find the contribution of those mechanisms to be of great value and will continue to support their work.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“In MINUSTAH, we have contributed to institutional capacity-building initiatives by increasing the number of police experts in the fight against kidnapping and the global drug problem, and in training for the police and the judicial police. We have gone from contributing two officers in 2006 to 27 officers in the current year. I would like also to highlight the information provided by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Edmond Mulet, at a recent meeting with the troop-contributing countries in Haiti, in which he underscored the success of MINUSTAH's anti-kidnapping efforts. The decrease from some 30 kidnappings a month in the first six months of 2008 to less than eight per month in the same period of 2009 is a promising development. My country knows the value of those outcomes.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“In that endeavour, we believe that it is vital to restore an environment of security that guarantees lasting stability. That is why Colombia focuses its cooperation initiatives with Haiti within the broader context of its assistance for the development of the wider Caribbean region. At the same time, it supplements those efforts with timely bilateral and regional initiatives. Within the technical cooperation initiatives with the wider Caribbean, we have had the opportunity to support Haiti in three areas essential to its economic development: food security, work-oriented education and disaster prevention. In addition, through inter-institutional initiatives and with other donors, we have given support in the environmental field through initiatives of solid residue treatment and hydrographic basin management.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“I would also like to express my gratitude to the Prime Minister of Haiti, Mrs. Michele Duvivier Pierre-Louis, and to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, Mr. Hedi Annabi. The latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2009/439) on MINUSTAH recounts the achievements of the past five years. However, it also reminds us of the fragility of the progress if the commitment and joint action of the leaders and the people of Haiti, the United Nations and the international community are not sustained. My country wishes to underscore the importance of those efforts being guided by a comprehensive vision that seeks to improve the economic and social conditions in Haiti and fosters development and institution-building.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“Ms. Blum (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me at the outset to congratulate you, Madam, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month and on the initiatives that the delegation of the United States has proposed for the programme of work for this period. In particular, the holding of this open debate on the question concerning Haiti gives us the opportunity to discuss points of view with regard to the upcoming renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). I would also like to thank former President Bill Clinton, the United Nations Special Envoy for Haiti, for his informative briefing. His indisputable leadership contributes to revitalizing international commitment and support so that Haiti can successfully tackle the challenges that it faces.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“Colombia fulfils its commitments under this Convention and has supported the work of institutions working in this field, such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Colombia reiterates its support for efforts to protect civilians and ensure respect for their rights, in conformity with the United Nations Charter and the norms of international law. My delegation will remain actively engaged in the discussions on this subject in the various bodies and institutions of the United Nations.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“09-38266 I should note that progress in terms of the security situation in Colombia can also be seen in improved access and enhanced safety for humanitarian staff, enabling them to carry out their work throughout the country. This includes international institutions, which provide valuable cooperation. The State will continue to focus on preventing and controlling any situation that could hinder the provision of humanitarian assistance. We note, moreover, that the report emphasizes the importance of lasting solutions for refugees. It is essential that States fully honour their international obligations to protect refugees, including those under the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and other relevant instruments.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“In addition, we emphasize the responsibility and primary role of States in the provision and coordination of humanitarian assistance within their territories. We recognize the importance of international cooperation and the facilitation of access for humanitarian entities in accordance with international norms. In Colombia, the Government is the main provider of humanitarian assistance. This year, Under- Secretary-General John Holmes visited our country and verified the progress achieved and the budgetary and programmatic efforts of State agencies working in this field. We have taken note of the challenges identified with his Office to improving the various programmes.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“We expect, on that occasion, to assess the progress made in implementing the Convention and to define a plan of action to address the persistent challenges in the eradication of anti-personnel mines throughout the world. We also agree with the Secretary-General on the urgency of implementing controls over the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, a prerequisite for improving the protection of civilians. My country will continue to promote this issue in the General Assembly and hopes that the Council will emphasize the importance of adopting effective measures in this field. Regarding humanitarian assistance, Colombia joins in the condemnation of attacks against humanitarian personnel.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“Combating drug trafficking, the financial source of violence and terror, is also a national priority. The United Nations report issued a few days ago showed a dramatic reduction in illicit cultivation and drug production in the country in 2008. These results will have to better security for Colombians. The commitment of the international community to combating drug trafficking and terrorism is essential to consolidating these achievements. We support the call of the Secretary-General in his report on States that are not parties to the Ottawa landmine Convention to ratify it without delay. Colombia will host the second Review Conference of the States Parties to the Ottawa Convention, from 30 November to 4 December this year in Cartagena.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“The consolidation of that policy has made it possible for us to put firmly in place conditions to protect Colombians and allow them to enjoy their rights. These efforts include a comprehensive policy on human rights and international humanitarian law that is focused on prevention and on ensuring appropriate punishment for any violations, including those involving members of the security forces of the State. The strengthening of democratic authority and the State's control over its territory is reflected in the continued reduction in the number of all acts of violence and criminality. Since 2002, 51,407 members of illegal armed groups have been demobilized. That process, which is being implemented in the framework of special legislation, has made it possible to provide victims with justice, truth and reparations.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“Other matters addressed in the report, such as the changing nature of conflicts, the proliferation, fragmentation, identity and motivation of non-State armed groups, and dialogue with those actors, should be the subject of further consideration in order to ensure that they fall within the scope of the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and applicable international law. All States and relevant actors must give the highest priority to the protection of civilians and to abiding strictly by international humanitarian law and other international norms in that regard. Through its democratic security policy, the Government of Colombia has given priority to the strategic goal of strengthening and guaranteeing the rule of law throughout its national territory.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“Ms. Blum (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your work as President of the Security Council during this month, and to express our gratitude for the convening of this debate. We also wish to thank Under-Secretary-General John Holmes for his presentation. Colombia has taken careful note of the seventh report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians (S/2009/277). Several of the challenges identified in the report should receive priority attention both from States and from other relevant actors. In that regard, I would like to underscore the challenges concerning respect for international humanitarian law; strengthening the capacities of peacekeeping and other operations; guaranteeing access to humanitarian assistance in compliance with international norms; and accountability.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“Also, any implementation of targeted measures must be in accordance with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. Colombia, for its part, rejects every form of sexual violence, including rape and other manifestations of sexual abuse. They are even more reprehensible when they prey on children. My delegation considers that Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) constitute the guiding compass on this matter. Allow me to conclude with an unequivocal reiteration of the commitment of the Government of Colombia to the protection and promotion of children's rights. The reference point of that commitment is the framework established by the Security Council, as well as the existing mechanisms and procedures. In that spirit, we will maintain a continued dialogue to advance towards the goals identified.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“It is therefore inappropriate to evaluate it in advance, even more so when this goes beyond the framework established by the Council's resolutions. Allow me to make some observations on the recommendations of the Secretary-General in his report. The Security Council resolutions on children and armed conflict have established a clear distinction between situations that are on the agenda of the Council and those that are not. The existence of annexI and annex II in the report of the Secretary- General is sufficient embodiment of this distinction, which should therefore be maintained. Likewise, the Council should continue to attach greater weight and priority to the fundamental issue that led to the creation of the mechanism - the recruitment and exploitation of children.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“As we have indicated on other occasions, we do not consider it appropriate to include references to criminal organizations or gangs in the Secretary-General's reports, as such organizations do not fall within the purview established in the Council's resolutions. One example of this is the case of criminal groups devoted to drug trafficking. Furthermore, my delegation wishes to express its concern over some passages in the report that go beyond existing provisions of the Security Council's resolutions concerning children and armed conflict. This applies particularly to references to Colombia included in paragraph 147 and in the listing on page 38 of the report. The mechanism in Colombia is about to be implemented.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Since its creation, the commission has focused its work in 61 municipalities with high social and economic vulnerability, where illegal armed groups are present and the risk of recruitment has been reported. In terms of the protection and restitution of the fundamental rights of children rescued from illegal armed groups, the Colombian Institute for Family Welfare has provided assistance to 3,940 such children to date. The programmes of the Institute seek to provide comprehensive physical and psychological care and to prepare children and youths for complete reintegration into society. My delegation has taken note of the eighth report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council on children and armed conflict.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The Colombian State has established a comprehensive strategy to address the prevention of the recruitment and use of children by illegal armed groups, as well as the protection, release and reintegration of children who have been rescued from such groups. The first of these aspects, prevention, is the main objective of the intersectorial commission created by the Government of Colombia in December 2007. The strategies of this commission, led by the Vice-President of the Republic, include promoting the transformation of family, community and institutional environments into factors that safeguard children's rights. The aim is to consolidate protection networks that can reduce children's risk of exploitation by illegal armed groups.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“In the context of our comprehensive child welfare policy, in December last year Colombia voluntarily accepted the monitoring and reporting mechanism provided for in Security Council resolution 1612 (2005). The voluntary nature of its acceptance is based on the fact that the situation in Colombia is covered in annex II of the report of the Secretary General (S/2009/158) and is not on the Security Council's agenda. In accepting the monitoring and reporting mechanism, my country recognizes the contribution that the United Nations can make to the national Government's primary duty to protect children affected by the actions of illegal armed groups.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source